Twee vrouwenhoofden en een meisje Possibly 1883 - 1886

George Hendrik Breitner made this sketch, titled "Twee vrouwenhoofden en een meisje," using graphite. It is currently located at the Rijksmuseum. Breitner's sketch gives us a glimpse into the world of late 19th-century Dutch society. The figures depicted are not idealized or heroic, but rather ordinary people, perhaps working-class women and a child. Breitner was known for his interest in capturing the gritty realities of urban life in Amsterdam. The quick, almost fragmented lines of the sketch suggest a fleeting moment, as if Breitner were capturing these figures in passing. This approach aligns with the broader artistic movement of Realism, which sought to depict the world as it was, without romanticizing or embellishing it. To understand this artwork more fully, one might delve into the social history of Amsterdam during Breitner's time, exploring the lives and experiences of the working class and the role of women in Dutch society. In doing so, we can better appreciate Breitner's commitment to portraying the world around him with honesty and sensitivity.